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New data shows golfers might be ditching this halfway-house staple – Australian Golf Digest

New data shows golfers might be ditching this halfway-house staple – Australian Golf Digest

There was a time when a beer and a dog at the turn were as sure of a thing as a three-putt after a birdie. Heck, Golf Digest even did a definitive* ranking of the best golf hot dogs in the country. The days of the on-course glizzy, it seems however, might be over.

A new study conducted by ClubGrub captured data from 26,000 halfway-house orders at 87 courses around the country and found that less than 5 percent (4.61 percent) of all orders included hot dogs. ClubGrub is an app that allows golfers to either pre-order food and beverages while on the course or get food delivered while playing.

Though the study does not compare this number to prior findings, it would be evident to any golfer that this appears quite low.

“The hot dog will always be a nostalgic part of golf culture, but it’s outdated and doesn’t reflect modern hospitality,” said Spencer Potter, founder of ClubGrub. “Our app data proves that when golfers are offered fresh, diverse menu options with the convenience of mobile ordering, they overwhelmingly choose these alternatives, especially golfers under 50.”

Instead of hot dogs and beers, golfers are increasingly opting for fresher, more upscale options, including chicken sandwiches, lobster rolls and craft cocktails, ClubGrub data shows. Yet, while nearly every course offers a hot dog or cheeseburger, many halfway houses have been slow to adopt these fresh menu items, which Potter sees as a clear missed opportunity.

“Clubs are missing a tremendous opportunity to modernize and cater to a new generation of golfers who prefer fresh, on-demand dining options,” said Potter. One hypothesis is that the shift away from the hot dog and toward more diverse options is due to the increase in golf’s younger demographic, though the study does not say definitively.

Other findings from the study include:

  • 84 percent of orders in the ClubGrub app were delivered directly to golfers on the course.
  • The most popular holes to order food on were Nos. 3, 5 and 13.
  • The largest single on-course order in the app last year totaled $246 and included six margaritas, two transfusions, four lobster rolls and four Snickers bars.

This article was originally published on golfdigest.com